We are, first and foremost, really good friends.
But to brag a little bit, each Knitter* has deep expertise in wellness, learning, friendship, purpose, organizations, spaces, and experiences. We also have an incredible bench of partners to collaborate with, as needed. (Or as knitted. Ha! Sorry.)
Meet the team
Jenn Maer
Co-founder, Chief Experience Officer
Jeff Hamaoui
Co-founder + Chief Friending Officer
Carolina Lasso
Co-founder + Chief Magic Officer
Jeff Hamaoui
(El Jeffecito)
…is a teacher, writer, speaker, and community builder with a unique career path focused on social and environmental impact. He began in the mid-1990s as a sustainability expert and went on to work globally as an investor and innovation consultant. In these roles, he helped build companies and advised governments and Fortune 500 corporations, all with the goal of developing ideas to improve the world.
In 2017, Jeff co-founded MEA (Modern Elder Academy) in Baja, Mexico, alongside Chip Conley and Christine Sperber. MEA is the world's first midlife wisdom school, designed for individuals to take a pause and reframe their perspectives on aging, reimagine their future, and reconnect with their purpose. At MEA, Jeff unexpectedly became an expert in midlife and wellness, crafting the curriculum, writing workbooks, and leading online courses. For the past seven years, he has led workshops and helped shape MEA's content and teaching philosophy.
Beyond his work at MEA, which has become known as a "friendship accelerator," Jeff continues his passion for community by developing Baja Sage, a twenty-six-home regenerative community in Baja California Sur. This project has given him hands-on experience in regenerative farming and community building in Mexico. Jeff, who refers to himself as "the reluctant guru," is happily married to his best friend, Rachel. They have two children, Gray and Blue, and he credits his wife with being a great counterpart in friendship—he makes them, and she keeps them.
Jennifer Maer
(Jenn)
…is a designer, creative director, brand strategist, and storyteller. After an early career in advertising, she spent 15 years at the renowned human-centered design firm, IDEO, before founding her own consultancy, Harmonic 55. She has helped all kinds of clients navigate challenges with grace, including Nike, Microsoft, Apple, Genentech Roche, and more.
She has helped design spaces focused on community and connection, including the redesign of Coca-Cola’s Atlanta HQ, the public spaces of Courtyard by Marriott and a brand experience update for Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.
Jenn is at her happiest when she's creating stories and ideas that bypass the brain's radar and go straight to the heart. Jenn holds a BA from Smith College, and an MFA from the school of hard knocks. After 20+ years in the Bay Area, she now lives in Asheville, NC with her wife and an odd but lovable dog.
Carolina Lasso
(Caro)
…is a speaker, teacher, and author, passionate about creating tools and transformative experiences to help individuals and organizations unlock their full potential.
She is the author of The Path to Flourishing, Angry Women, and co-author of The Purpose Reset books and the creator of the PlenaMente podcast.
With an MBA from New York University, her career includes leading teams at Google, American Express, Telemundo, and the Search Inside Yourself Leadership Institute.
Today, Carolina blends her business acumen with deep expertise in personal development as a certified leadership, mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and resilience teacher and as a renowned Purpose Mentor.
She finds joy in oil painting, visiting her native Colombia, and exploring new places around the world.
* Should we call ourselves Knitters? Or do you think it’s too twee?
Drop us a line and let us know. We’d love to discuss doing a project with you, and this would be a great way to break the ice.
